VINTAGE AUTO RACING ASSOCIATION

AlDeJoria · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Las Vegas

Hi everyone. I'm kinda curious about what goes on here. this really looks like alot of fun! I have an old (meaning it hasn't raced in years and years) HP Sprite, a 62 MK II, actually. It's that weird transition year that looks like the traditional midget, but has the 948 and the bug eye (non windowed) doors. It's very stock, and almost all steel, except for the front fenders and hood. The only other thing is it has a full cage. I haven't e-mailed the vara people yet, just thought I'd ask here first, but is this something that could be raced? Is the cage a problem? The fenders and hood are easy enough to switch to steel, and all the suspension and drivetrain is essentially stock. Who should I talk to about this? Thanks very much!
Al

Jerry Bernhiemer · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:15 am Post subject: Car info......

Al:

Welcome to the VARA board. Your car with the 948 motor will fall in the H Production class. Fiberglass fenders and hood are o.k. provided it does not signifigantly lower the weight of the car.

If you reinstall the steel body parts you might be elligible for HP-1 (Group 1) as shown in the Rulebook in the classification section......as you stated: """"" and all the suspension and drivetrain is essentially stock"""""

""""""The only other thing is it has a full cage. """"" ; this is allowed in any case.

You might read up in the Rule Book as to Safety Requirements etc.

"""""""it hasn't raced in years and years"""""" ; be interesting if your car has an original logbook ?

You can pm or mail me with any further questions.

Efrain Olivares, Jr. · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Glendale, CA

Call Tom at Speedwell Engineering about Sprite preparation.

www.speedwellengineering.com

I'd have the cage checked out to make sure it was a quality cage - who knows how it was done if it is very old.

Most VARA Sprites run full fiberglass front clips and that is allowed. I'd be interested to see a definition of "so long as it doesn't significantly lower weight", because in seven years of racing my Sprite its never been an issue.
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"What's that little red car?"
"That's a Sprite."
"There's no way it's a Sprite. It just passed a 911."

Geoff Monise · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 37 Location: Pasadena

what the weight of your car efrain?

also if you are in the pasadena area we would be glad to help you out with anything. We run a GP midget out of our shop, or if you need some questions answerd give us a call.

good luck! hope to see you at the track soon.

www.FrankMoniseMotors.com

(626) 795-8741

AlDeJoria · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Las Vegas

Thanks very much for all the feedback. And thanks for all of the great info and websites. To clear up a couple things....I do have log books for my car, a couple, actually. I've owned it since the late eighties, and got my SCCA regional license in it. I ran it for several years, and had a ball. The car is sound and safe. Not the most technically advanced...lol, but a good, solid car. I'll be in touch with you guys for parts, info, etc.....i"m looking forward to getting her back on the track. I have a 1275, so I may end up in FP. I've printed the rules, and am reading them closely. Quick question, though, what about tires? What's a good setup?

AlDeJoria · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Las Vegas

As for me...my car was always raced as an HP car in SCCA. What appeals to me is the idea of racing these cars in a more "stock" or old school prod style. I intend to run it with a "stock" (non dog ring) trans, and su's. Prob should put some real shocks on it, though...lol. I've lost the recipe for that "magic mix" of shock oil. I do understand the desire to go faster and improve the car, though. As with any racing, there are always going to be challenges with balancing the "historic" aspect of this class, and keeping up the competion side also. I'm kinda babbling here, but I want everyone to know I'm a huge fan of these cars and these classes, and will do whatever I can to help and support this style of racing. Speaking of, I'm in Las Vegas, so if anyone ever gets out here, let me know, I'll buy you a beer....uh, or pepsi, as the case may be...lol.
Al

Jerry Bernhiemer · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 9:08 am Post subject:

"""""I will be more than happy to send in a membership application if it will make you feel better about me.. """""

Hi Joe...

Your doing fine....no application needed.

""""""""""I have not raced with you in the past but there is still time"""""

..ummm...mylaps tells a lot.

edit......someone used a chainsaw big time on this thread..... Laughing

Daryl DeArman · Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 59

Perhaps there is another forum where we could continue the deleted topic without concern of being censored.

Joe Harlan · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Oregon City, Oregon

Nah, Daryl its all good. We really should have just answered the question and let it go. Your all a good group down there and after a few driving lessons maybe I will get to drive one of Phil's cars this year. Al sorry for messin up your thread, There are a bunch of good spridget guys in your area that can get you headed the right direction. If all else fails there is some guy named Huffacker just north of you I here he knows a bit about those cars.. Smile

ChrisHorn · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Pasadena

Geez,

I HATE it when I miss the good stuff!!!
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Chris Horn
'72 Datsun 240Z

Daryl DeArman · Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 59

I guess I used the word "forum" when I meant "thread".

I am giving benifit of the doubt that much of the thread was deleted as it wasn't on topic with the subject of the thread....unless it got really ugly recently....

Surely, if the deleted topic was discussed in a civil manner on another thread (on topic) it wouldn't be censored.

Joe Harlan · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Oregon City, Oregon

Mitch Schwartzburg · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Mission Viejo, CA

BRAVO BRAVO - Well done Gentlemen !

Happy Holidays to all and a healthy 2008.

Mitch
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Mitch
HP #33 Fiat 850 Spider

Mitch Schwartzburg · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Mission Viejo, CA

BRAVO BRAVO - Well done Gentlemen !

Happy Holidays to all and a healthy 2008.

Mitch
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Mitch
HP #33 Fiat 850 Spider

apatkneip · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 37

Vara ' s policy regarding the message board is to post items and issues of a positive nature . The message board is meant to be used to share info and ideas that will enhance the stature of our organization . If you have issues contrary to the policies of VARA you should discuss these issues in something other than a public forum. References to censure and chainsaws is not considered enhancement . We have complaints over the years that VARA does not enforce the rules , so we create rules and enforce them and what do we get ? We get complaints that we are enforcing the rules . Your Board of Directors are VOLUNTEERS whose only goal is to provide ALL members with a safe , fun venue in which to show and race your cars while protecting and insuring a sound financial basis upon which to enjoy our sport . It would be nice to see everyone working toward the same goal and emphasizing the SPIRIT OF VARA especially at this time of the year.
I would like to wish everyone a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR .
Pat
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pat kneip